Table Dealers at Local Shows

[bnorth]

We have not had a card show anywhere close for so long I wouldn't even mind putting up with some jerks just to go to a local show.

This eBay price comparison is one of my pet peeves. eBay is a garage sale at best. There is no way a real dealer that pays taxes and fees can compare with some want to be dealer selling out of his parents basement who pays absolutely no fees, taxes, or the ton of other costs that go with running a real business. End of rant.

[kevinlenane]

I guess i agree with your Ebay rant - ive come to expect it in smaller shows- but ALL these dealers also sell on Ebay so it shouldnt be miles off like it is. It kind of feels like they have specific card show inventory that they bring in ungraded and jack up so you couldn't comparison shop if you wanted to.

However I should make it a point that NONE of this is what truly bothered me about the show - its just the attitude that just kills the joy for me and its entirely unnecessary. Im happy and willing to pay a small premium for an enjoyable personal experience but its a trade i dont often get. For the record I spent an hour and 45 minutes on various trains from Brooklyn to get there so

[Bruinsfan94]

Yea I don't understand dealers with poor customer service. I've literally overpaid to buy cards from dealers who are pleasant to deal with. I'd rather support them.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by kevinlenane

I guess i agree with your Ebay rant - ive come to expect it in smaller shows- but ALL these dealers also sell on Ebay so it shouldnt be miles off like it is. It kind of feels like they have specific card show inventory that they bring in ungraded and jack up so you couldn't comparison shop if you wanted to.

However I should make it a point that NONE of this is what truly bothered me about the show - its just the attitude that just kills the joy for me and its entirely unnecessary. Im happy and willing to pay a small premium for an enjoyable personal experience but its a trade i dont often get. For the record I spent an hour and 45 minutes on various trains from Brooklyn to get there so

Maybe they are there to buy for their ebay business. Does seem that people selling their goods to a dealer would rather deal with someone who isn't sucking lemons all the time.

I've noticed it too, but have become resigned to the fact that certain dealers are just sour pusses. I'm usually too busy at my table to play games. If you are slack at the big shows you will have a lot of theft, you have some even if you are vigilant. Stick with the guys you are comfortable with, but you will find that at times the guys with the bad attitude have cards you will need. Just keep your cool and deal with them.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by bnorth

We have not had a card show anywhere close for so long I wouldn't even mind putting up with some jerks just to go to a local show.

This eBay price comparison is one of my pet peeves. eBay is a garage sale at best. There is no way a real dealer that pays taxes and fees can compare with some want to be dealer selling out of his parents basement who pays absolutely no fees, taxes, or the ton of other costs that go with running a real business. End of rant.

Back when I was a "want to be" dealer I always priced my stuff just like a real dealer would. Even at the flea market. If the guy in a shop a mile away can get $10 why shouldn't I?

And buying cards for an inventory costs the part timers just as much, maybe more.

The only reason to underprice stuff is if you want to show a low selling price when you try to buy stuff. And that's a losing game.

I also see loads if stuff on Ebay that's more than it is other places. I did fairly well buying stuff from dealers and reselling it on Ebay when I was more active and there were more dealers. (Same for buying stuff at and selling it at a different show, although I usually bought stuff to keep.)

Steve B

[Laxcat]

Yall should just come down to Texas. We, for the most part, are quite pleasant to deal with.

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Laxcat

Yall should just come down to Texas. We, for the most part, are quite pleasant to deal with.

+!

[mechanicalman]

I was at the Chicago show last weekend and, for the most part, had a very pleasant experience. There are some guys like William (forgot his last name) from Indiana who is very fair to deal with and very accommodating. Jeff from Card Country has actually become someone I'd call a friend - he's incredibly nice, fair, and has great cards. There was only one dealer who wouldn't give me the time of day, which is sad, as I went there specifically to buy a four-figure card he had listed on eBay. Even as I visited his large booth twice, he didn't acknowledge me once, so I walked away without buying. Sometimes the "stuff" isn't worth the hassle.

[ValKehl]

Sam, I suspect that you are referring to William Chappell of Bluffton, Indiana, who is always attentive to his potential customers and enjoyable to chat with at the Chantilly, VA, shows.
Val

[mechanicalman]

Yes, Val! That's the William. Seems like I've made a purchase from him at every Chicago show and National for the last few shows. He seems to have a constant stream of nice cards, at fair prices.

I imagine the more hospitable dealers not only do better on the selling side but the buying side as well; hence the stream of inventory.

[Edwolf1963]

Originally Posted by mechanicalman

I was at the Chicago show last weekend and, for the most part, had a very pleasant experience. There are some guys like William (forgot his last name) from Indiana who is very fair to deal with and very accommodating. Jeff from Card Country has actually become someone I'd call a friend - he's incredibly nice, fair, and has great cards. There was only one dealer who wouldn't give me the time of day, which is sad, as I went there specifically to buy a four-figure card he had listed on eBay. Even as I visited his large booth twice, he didn't acknowledge me once, so I walked away without buying. Sometimes the "stuff" isn't worth the hassle.

William Chappell.

And the one who didn't give you the time of day - was he wearing a cheap tacky looking red top hat? It's usually Levi/707 and his nose is usually buried into his laptop to pay any attention to people at his tables.